Hydrotherapy is a form of therapy that uses water to provide buoyancy, stability, and hydrostatic pressure. This form of therapy is especially useful for post-operative, arthritic, neurologic, debilitated, or geriatric dogs.

Hydrotherapy is perfect for athletic dogs because they benefit from the resistance created by the water and a total body strengthening workout. The underwater treadmill is an especially great tool to exercise young dogs that are injured or dogs that need rehabilitation from surgery.

What are the benefits?

The WARMTH of the water helps relax muscles, decrease pain and muscle spasms, and increase range of motion. The warm water also prevents small dogs from getting cold.

HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE reduces swelling by creating a gentle pressure on the body and legs, reducing any existing edema during exercise.

The RESISTANCE of the water promotes maximum muscle use, increases joint range of motion and minimizes pain during exercise. It can also provide for a more intense workout as heart rate and oxygen use can be greater when working in water as compared to on dry land.

The BUOYANCY of the water decreases the jarring forces on bones and joints during exercise. In dogs with weakness and poor balance or coordination, the buoyancy of the water provides assistance, as 60 – 80% of the dog’s body weight can be supported by the water.